Could DNA testing be the ultimate fitness hack? PAUSE investigates.
The past couple of years has seen DNA testing become increasingly popular and accessible to the general public. With genetic testing companies like 23andMe taking the world by storm with their ability to discover your ancestry from a simple saliva sample, scientists have now turned their attention to the world of fitness.
Is it useful, or simply another gimmick? Let’s take a look…
What is Fitness DNA Testing?
In a nutshell, a DNA test for diet and exercise will analyse a sample of your DNA, specifically targeting the genetics that effect your body’s response to certain workouts, ability to recover, metabolise certain foods and much more. From this, scientists can work out a variety of useful information on how to maximise your workout based on your individual genetic composition.
What Can it Tell You?
The information you’re provided with can greatly vary from one company to another so it’s worth looking around to find what suits you best. PAUSE opted to try FitnessGenes as they provide one of the most in-depth overviews on the market, allowing you to truly maximise your workout and diet plan.
FitnessGenes Review
It’s quite straightforward really, after receiving your DNA kit you simply provide a saliva sample, send it back to the UK lab and within a few weeks, you’ll receive an email which leads you to your personal, private online profile.
This is when the fun begins, FitnessGenes analyses 40+ specific genes and will give you tailored advice depending on each ones prominence, strength, etc. Among other things, this information can then be used to:
- Build tailored workout plans to maximise your strengths and work on your weaknesses.
- Bring your attention to any genes that may increase your risks to problems such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure etc.
- Provide dietary guidance based on your goals e.g bulk up, lose weight, etc.
For the average guy or gal, the initial information can be a little overwhelming but the website makes it very easy to learn more about each one of your targeted genes and how they affect your body.
Alongside this breakdown, the personalised dietary plans and exercise regimes are incredibly helpful and really allow you to feel like you’re giving your body its optimal workout.
Is Fitness DNA Testing Worth It?
All in all, the amount of personalised information men’s fitness DNA testing can tell you is astonishing. Simple workout hacks, tips and tricks that are genetically proven to work well with your body allow you to truly make the most out of your workout.
If your the kind of guy who takes his workout seriously, it’ll definitely make all the difference and is well worth the investment. If you, like the most of us, a little more laid back in your approach to keeping fit the information provided may teeter on the side of overkill – but hey, you can never know too much about your own body, can you?
